With the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(Virginia Tech) community and the nation, we mourn, we pray, and
with the Psalmist we plead: "Out of the depths, I cry to you, O
Lord. Lord, hear my voice!" (Psalm 130:1) As family and
friends grieve the deaths and injuries of loved ones, we claim
the promise of Christ's Resurrection.
Campus ministries, congregations and leaders of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America are offering support and spiritual
care to the local community. Through the deep wounds of this
tragedy, let us renew our resolve to live together in peace.
"Holy One, you do not distance yourself from the pain of your
people, but in Jesus you bear that pain with all who suffer at
others' hands. With your cleansing love bring healing and
strength to the Virginia Tech community; and by your justice,
lift them up, that in body, mind, and spirit, they may again
rejoice. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." (Evangelical Lutheran
Worship, p. 84)
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Chicago
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
